Trump wants to meet Putin ‘as soon as possible’ to discuss Ukraine war

President Donald Trump expressed his eagerness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, stating that it was crucial for them to sit down and have a conversation. Speaking from Abu Dhabi during the final leg of his Middle East tour, Trump emphasized the importance of breaking the deadlock in the conflict.

“I think it’s time for us to just do it,” Trump told reporters, indicating his readiness to engage in dialogue with Putin. The president highlighted the significance of his presence at any potential peace talks, noting that Putin may not show up if he did not attend.

In response to Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s unsuccessful attempt to arrange a face-to-face meeting with Putin in Istanbul, Trump expressed his willingness to facilitate discussions between the two parties. While Zelenskyy and Putin were unable to come to an agreement, a Ukrainian delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov is set to meet with a lower-level Russian team headed by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky.

Despite the expectations of little immediate progress in resolving the conflict, efforts are being made to address the diverging conditions set by both sides for ending the war. Ukraine has accepted a proposal for a full 30-day ceasefire, while Putin has imposed stringent conditions that effectively reject the ceasefire.

Amid allegations of Russian forces preparing for a new military offensive, Zelenskyy criticized Moscow for sending a low-level negotiating team, describing it as a mere “theater prop.” Nevertheless, Ukraine remains committed to advancing peace efforts, with Zelenskyy sending a delegation to the talks in Istanbul.

Prior to the meeting, a three-way discussion involving Turkey, the U.S., and Ukraine took place, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg representing the U.S. Rubio expressed cautious optimism about the talks, acknowledging that a breakthrough would likely require direct engagement between Trump and Putin.

As diplomatic efforts continue to unfold, the international community remains hopeful for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine, signal a collective commitment to finding a path towards peace and stability in the region.